A library card may be issued to any person furnishing proof of identity and residency. Cards are free of charge to residents of Ohio. You will need to present photo identification with your name and current address, such as a driver’s license or state ID. Photo ID without the current address must be accompanied by printed personal mail postmarked within two weeks. Children must be at least five years old and have a parent or legal guardian present to sign for the card. You may request a library card at the Carnegie Public Library circulation desk.

If you are not a resident of Ohio but are a permanent resident in a neighboring state (Pennsylvania or West Virginia) there is a $5 annual charge for your card. If you do not have a permanent residence in this area you may get a temporary card with a $20 deposit. Because we do not keep much cash in the building, we ask that you do not bring in $20 or larger bills to pay for a card.

How do I get a replacement card?

There is a $1 charge if you have lost your card and need another (the first card is free to an Ohio resident). Just bring photo identification when you come to the library and we will be happy to issue you another card. Because we do not keep much cash in the building, we ask that you do not bring in $20 or larger bills to pay for a replacement card.

Can I access the internet from the library?

The library system has Internet computer workstations for your use. Access to the Internet is through OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) and requires that the user have a library card in good standing (current address and no unpaid fines or fees). You can print for $.10 per page. Because we do not keep much cash in the building, we ask that you do not bring in $20 or larger bills to pay for print-outs. The library also has Wi-Fi if you have your own device. Check www.carnegie.lib.oh.us/content/wireless-internet-access-wi-fi for more information.

How is the Library funded?

The Library, like the 251 other public libraries in Ohio, is funded by a dedicated fund allocated by the Ohio Legislature. The Public Library Fund (PLF) receives 1.97% of the total General Revenue Fund tax revenues collected in Ohio. Carnegie Public Library also has a local levy to supplement the decreasing funds from the PLF.

How long can I keep items?

All materials except videos and DVDs have a 21 day loan period. Videos and DVDs circulate for 7 days. Current issues of magazines and reference materials are not available for loan.

What if I return items late?

Fines for all materials except videos and DVDs are 10 cents per day for a maximum of $5.00 per item. Fines for videos and DVDs are $1.00 per day for a maximum of $10.00 per item. CDs, Videos and DVDs returned in the outside book drop will be charged a $1.00 fee per item. A fee may be assessed for damaged materials to cover the cost of repair or rebinding or if the item is damaged beyond repair the full cost of the item will be charged. Because we do not keep much cash in the building, we ask that you do not bring in $20 or larger bills to pay for a small fine.

How much does it cost to make copies or send a fax?

Copies are $.10 per 1-sided page up to 8 1/2 X 14. 11 x 17 copies are $.25 per page

Faxes are $1 per page (sending or receiving). Faxes may only be sent within the United States.

If you are receiving a fax we request that you let us know prior to the fax being sent and that you have a current library card. Received faxes will be held for up to one week for pick-up. Faxes still here after one week will be destroyed for your privacy.

Because we do not keep much cash in the building, we ask that you do not bring in $20 or larger bills to pay for copies or a fax.

What about snow closings?

The safety of the patrons and library staff are of utmost importance. The library may close or delay opening due to bad weather conditions. Because local media are inundated with requests to post closings, the library's closing or program cancelations may not be announced. We will post closings on the library's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CarnegiePublicLibrary.

Decisions on holding children's programs during inclement weather are made on a case-by-case basis and those registered will be notified of a cancelation. However, the library may remain open.

We encourage you to call the library at 330-385-2048 before you leave your home to make sure we are open. Remember, most library materials are renewable over the phone. If the library does close, loan periods will automatically be extended for one day and fines for that day will be waived.

If you have any doubt about safe travel to the library, please stay home. Your safety is important to us.

What is your public records policy?

In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and applicable judicial decisions Carnegie Public Library maintains open records containing information stored on a fixed medium (such as paper, electronic – including but not limited to email – and other formats); is created or received by, or sent under the jurisdiction of a public office and documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations or other activities of the office Public records are to be open to the public at all reasonable times with exceptions only as provided for in the Ohio Revised Code.

A poster of the Open Records Policy will be posted in a conspicuous place in the library.

As required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are available for inspection and copying within a reasonable period during regular business hours. The length of time necessary to supply records may depend on the number of records requested, where the records are stored, and other factors.

Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If the request for records was in writing, the denial will also be in writing. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released.

Copies will be made available by authorized library personnel within a reasonable period of time. Those seeking public records will be charged at the standard rate for library copies. If copies are to be mailed, the requestor must pay for the postage and the cost of the copies in advance.

Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records.

The Carnegie Public Library would prefer to have requests in writing with the requester’s name and contact information so that staff members can clarify the scope of the request and notify the requester when copies have been made. However, the requester may decline to supply his/her identity and purpose in requesting open public records.Adopted by the Board of Trustees on October 17, 2007